Governor O'Malley Joins Maryland State Conference of the NAACP, National and State Leaders to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the NAACP
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 14, 2009) - Governor Martin O’Malley today hosted a reception and joined the Maryland NAACP State Conference, national and state leaders to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
“It is an honor to join the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the NAACP, and we’re proud of our partnership with the Maryland State Conference of the NAACP,” said Governor O’Malley.” “The NAACP has been, and continues to be, an integral part of the fabric of our nation and our State. Its legacy is comprised of a commitment to fighting injustices and illuminating opportunities, and today we not only reflect on the struggles of the past, but triumph in the progress we’ve made so our children can have the tools to build a better, stronger tomorrow.”
“Governor O’Malley’s unwavering commitment to advancing the civil rights of the residents of Maryland is to be commended. The NAACP is proud to stand with Governor O’Malley and our Maryland State Conference and applaud the creation of Maryland's newly created Commission on African Affairs,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “Gerald Stansbury, our Maryland State Conference President, has done a tremendous job in his work with Governor O’Malley. For 100 years the NAACP has worked to advance the civil rights, and it is with stewards like President Stansbury and Governor O’Malley that we will continue our march toward civil and human rights and realize the promise of America for all.”
“We are honored that Governor O'Malley has chosen to honor the NAACP for its Centennial. Governor O'Malley has been a pioneer in his efforts to empower and improve the lives of African Americans in our State,” said Gerald Stansbury. He further stated, “Upon becoming President of the Maryland State Conference, I pledge to work with Governor O'Malley's administration on issues of mutual concern. This partnership has resulted in building bridges of understanding between our organization and the government. The Maryland State Conference of the NAACP has been in existence for more than 60 years.”
Founded on February 12, 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots–based civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
Among the many dignitaries that have been invited in celebration of the NAACP Centennial are National President Ben Jealous, Vice President Roslyn Brock, Maryland State Conference President Gerald Stansbury, Former NAACP President/CEO and Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Maryland's First African American Female Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and Maryland State Legislative Black Caucus Chairperson Delegate Veronica Turner.
The National NAACP Headquarters is located in Maryland. Some prominent Marylanders who are members of the NAACP include the late Supreme Court Judge Thurgood Marshall, Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, Ms. Enolia McMillian, and Former National Lobbyist Clarence Mitchell, Jr.
